Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Lily White's Party

Our NY Grandchildren, Brenna Meghan, Shaela Jamie and Ryan Emory

Jill was telling me how recently she used a saying with her children that she remembered her dad saying to her as a child as she and her sisters prepared for bedtime. She knew he learned it from his mom and wondered where it came from.

John would tell the girls, "Time for Kitty White's Party".

Curious, we both did an internet search and came up with nothing.

I was telling Abbey our quandary concerning the
origin of Kitty White's party. Abbey searched
and found that it was “LILY” White’s Party (some said Lily White’s Ball). Somehow, Lily became Kitty, at least in John's memory. We
found several comments that people remember it from their childhood. Some said
it was popular in the 40’s and 50’s. Most thought it annoying as children but
now think of it fondly. It must had come from the following poem.

right click photo, open in new tab or window and click again to enlarge for easier reading

Its is interesting how these memories come about...I have never heard this saying or poem but maybe it isn't recognised in the UK. But I do remember songs and rhymes that my father sang to me and now I sing them to my grandchildren :)

I don't remember this poem nor have I heard the expression. We were always told "Sleep tight ..." and you know the rest of that and the history I'm sure.But you have presented this post so beautifully with the rose frames, and the pics of your grandchildren asleep are pure sweetness!

Yes! I was gooing today looking for the origin of this--my mom always said it at bedtime. I wonder how Lily got corrupted to Kitty? All I learned was that Hello Kitty is really named Kitty White! Thanks for providing an answer!

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